*IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT*

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: 

When dining out or visiting other public establishments, keep purses, backpacks, bags, etc. within your sight at all times, rather than hanging on the back of your chair or under a table. Thieves sitting at adjacent tables are clandestinely removing wallets, credit/debit cards, etc. from the bag as it hangs on a chair, unbeknownst to the victim, then leaving and quickly making large purchases at local stores using the stolen credit and/or debit cards. Local police have received multiple reports of such incidents recently in Pekin, Peoria, Bloomington, Lincoln and surrounding areas. Respond quickly to fraud alert phone calls or texts you may receive from your credit and debit card providers and always contact the applicable bank immediately upon discovery of stolen debit and/or credit cards. If you are a victim of such a theft, file a report with the local police department. Stay safe, everyone!